Contact time: 420 hours

This is the first stage of a major boatbuilding project which forms the backbone of the Certificate course. Beginning with reproducing the lines full-size on the loft floor, students will build a carvel cruising boat of around 30 feet in length. Starting with laying the keel, the project develops through all stages of construction to fit out, launch and builders’ trials.

The order of construction may vary in detail but will follow the traditional pattern. This first stage consists of setting up the backbone of the yacht, i.e. the keel and stem, fore-gripe, stern post and transom, all scarphed together in a watertight fashion and tapered to the requirements of the design. It includes cutting rebates for the planks, setting up the moulds, shaping and fastening the floors in place, fastening the ribbands to the moulds and steaming and fitting the ribs so that the structure is ready to receive the planking.

Deadwoods and the mould or plug for the lead keel may be made at this stage or later, depending on practical considerations.

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